Understanding Landscape Design Elevation Plans

Landscape design elevation plans are detailed sections of your site plan. Elevation plans illustrate the vertical elements within your hardscape design, describing all of the details needed to build these features. Most of the time, an elevation plan does not represent the entire structure. Instead, a side portion of the hardscape element is drawn, showing the construction details that are used throughout the structure.

Landscape design elevation plans are used to represent many different types of vertical hardscape features within your site plan. Without these detailed diagrams, it would be difficult to construct most of the structures within your landscape.

From measurements and materials to lighting and accessories, landscape elevation plans are accurate and precise guides for your hardscape installations.

Front Yard Elevation View

Many high-end landscape designs feature elegant brick and stone work barriers around the property. This front yard elevation plan of entry stairs includes the exact measurements required to construct a low-profile wall that makes the most of the overall design without being over bearing to other elements. In keeping with a French Country theme, clipped topiary shrubs are planted inside large round stone pilasters welcoming visitors upon their approach.

Here’s an elevation view of entry stairs and pilasters:

Click here for a plan view of this elevation.

Gate and Return Wall Elevation View

Here’s an elevation view of a return wall:

It is quite common for a modern home to be surrounded by an elegant fence or a custom built wall. Whether these features are designed for privacy or as a decorative accent, an entryway is required.

Gates and return walls are essential elements for most hardscape designs and are important to include in the elevation plan.

This example shows a return wall that includes a cut-out window. A rustic terracotta urn is potted and place in the opening providing a feeling of semi-privacy to a courtyard area. A hidden light is embedded in the arch of the cut-out illuminating the urn at night.

Custom Fountain Elevation View

Elegant fountains are classic landscape focal points. This elevation design plan of a custom fountain shows materials, measurements, and small details like this large lion wall fountain by Haddonstone. Detailed plans for fountain construction are critical to a successful project.

Below is an elevation view of a custom fountain:

Here’s a closer view of the same elevation:

Outdoor Fireplace Elevation View

Evenings are for entertaining, and a custom built fireplace is the perfect center piece for your outdoor living area. The fireplace shown here is made from various materials including stone, pre-cast mantle with surround, smooth stucco, brick and wrought iron accents.

Below is an elevation view of an outdoor fireplace:

Here’s a closer view of the same outdoor fireplace:

Pool and Spa Elevation Views

Creating a luxurious pool and spa area for relaxing and entertaining requires careful planning. These types of landscape design elevation plans contain all the small details needed to build a unique swimming pool. This elevation view illustrates the use of various materials in and around the pool/spa area, including tile, coping and pool finishes. This pool elevation also incorporates a custom water slide.

Below is an elevation view of a pool and spa:

Here’s a closer view showing the water slide exit:

Here’s a closer view of the spa with a decorative tile wall behind a cascading waterfall. Right side shows the water slide staircase:

BBQ and Bar Elevation View

Outdoor kitchens and BBQ islands are ideal features for backyard entertaining. Built-in surfaces with grills and outdoor appliances can make this area even more enjoyable and good landscape design elevation plans will make the construction much easier. In the drawing below,  notice the heavy wooden beams with detailed corbels on top of stone columns giving a rustic charm to this Tuscan styled backyard entertainment area.